The MataBlog is edited by Matador Records’ co-moaner Gerard Cosloy and individual entries are the work of whoever’s name is next to them. If you enjoyed something in the MataBlog, thank you very much! If there was something you found particularly troubling, please be advised that a) maybe you should read it again and b) the contents of this blog do not necessarily represent the opinions of Matador Records, Beggars Group, the combined staff of either company, nor the Matador artist roster. Opinions are like friends — hardly anyone has one worth listening to.

(above : coaches from "The Voice Of Italy" offer their congratulations to all of 2014's top contenders)

Around this time every year, your long-suffering dedicated editor attempts to coax a list of favorite recordings, books, television programs, life events, etc. out of the label's artist roster and our show business colleagues. In the past, the exercise has been an arduous process, fraught with nagging, teeth-gnashing and no shortage of reluctant participants, some of whom actually changed labels or places of employment to avoid the task. In more recent times, however, people can't wait to tell you everything. Too much, in fact. Why should the blitzkrieg of oversharing be limited to social media when we still have a label blog that attracts nearly a dozen readers a week?

For some historical perspective, here's last year's selections. Questions or comments about our predictable tastes and/or inexcuseable omissions are welcome (but not necessarily appreciated). And without further (Freddy) Adu, let the coronations of Protomartyr,Total Control, Sun Kil Moon and The War On Drugs begin :

This book is an astounding labor of love. The author, fascinated by who Cookie Mueller may have been after witnessing her in all the weirdo John Waters films, including Pink Flamingos and Female Trouble, decided to travel the USA interviewing anyone still left alive who spent time with this person. All the insane characters of early 70s Baltimore, P-Town and NYC raise their sloshing glasses to this incredible lightning girl Cookie and all their stories are told in a way which creates a historical travelogue of counter culture avant insanity which is responsible for helping to light the fuse that becomes punk rock and beyond.

The Rotten one was bopping around the UK promoting his new book Anger Is An Energy (Simon & Schuster) and we caught his last stop at RT and it was as good as any Sex Pistols or PiL show. He came out with his manager / right hand man and Arsenal accomplice Rambo and a shopping basket full of lager and proceeded to have a high energy back and forth with the audience. His mates from nearby Finsbury Park were there shouting back and forth and Lydon actually did a weird physical transformation into Tony Blair (he hates ‘im). Savage, infuriating – everything his book is – but with a kindness that is always burbling through. I got to meet him fleetingly, the one person I wanted to meet most in this nutso rock n roll world, and he was nice enuff (“Sonic Youth, what are you bloody doing here?”) - but I think he more interested in drowning beers with his pals, which is what he should be doing but damn I think making a record with him in trio with Irmin Schmidt with Can is what Matador should be investing in big time for 2015.

Vessel - Punish, HoneyHank Wood and the Hammerheads - Stay homePuce Mary - PersonaInstitute - Giddy Boys EPLower - Seek Warmer ClimesTotal Control - Typical SystemAnton Rothstein, LowerWhat I definitely learned in 2014 is that money still runs the world, that racism is alive and kicking, and that cops in every aspect of the term, be it professionals or amateurs, still are the scum of the earth.

A short best of-list:Best drummers: Joe Boyd-Brent of Condominium and Adam Kjær Nielsen of Reverie.Best live band: Hank Wood and the Hammerheads.Best people: Boat and Speedboat

Adrian Toubro, Lower

I guess, 2014 taught me that life is what you make it.That positive energy is the mightiest force. It is also the most difficult energy to achieveThat i love my hometownThat i love Lissabon, Portugali realized that Oasis still haven’t been beaten in being the greatest band that ever existed.AND a thousand other things i can’t remember now…

Patrick Amory, Matador Records

The J.B.'s - These Are The J.B.'s (TEG)- Scott Walker and Sunn O))) - Soused (4AD)

Viv Albertine - Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys.20,000 Days on Earth - Directed by Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard.We Are The Best! - Directed by Lukas Moodysson (this actually came out last year, but i only saw it this year so i’m keeping it in.)Protomartyr - Under Color Of Official Right.Ariel Pink - Pom Pom.Ought - More Than Any Other Day.Caribou - Our Love.The War on Drugs - Lost in the Dream.Steve Gunn - Way Out Weather.Total Control - Typical System.Lana Del Ray - Ultraviolence.LCD Soundsystem - The Long Goodbye.House of Cards.

Angel Olsen - Burn Your Fire for No WitnessPrimavera Sound Festival in BarcelonaFinally watching Twin Peaks after years of being told to do so. WHO KILLED LAURA PALMER?!Tobias Jesso Jr playing in an airbnb in London and "someone's kitchen" in BrooklynRinging in the new year while listening to Koreless and watching the sunrise over the ocean in TulumSt Vincent - St Vincent. <3 you forever, AnnieBelle & Sebastian live at the American Ambassador's house in London, complete with an on-stage cameo from the one & only Gabe SpiererPerfume Genius - Too Bright + all three incredible music videos that have come with itWatching my best friend since I was 12 get married (cheesy, I know)Sun Kil Moon - Benji

ABOUT

The MataBlog is edited by Matador Records’ co-moaner Gerard Cosloy and individual entries are the work of whoever’s name is next to them. If you enjoyed something in the MataBlog, thank you very much! If there was something you found particularly troubling, please be advised that a) maybe you should read it again and b) the contents of this blog do not necessarily represent the opinions of Matador Records, Beggars Group, the combined staff of either company, nor the Matador artist roster. Opinions are like friends — hardly anyone has one worth listening to.